State Employee Charged In Child-sex Case

July 25, 1985|By Bob Levenson of The Sentinel Staff

The head of the state Department of Insurance and Treasurer's Office in Orlando has been charged with fondling two young girls who came to his house to use his swimming pool, the Orange County Sheriff's Office said Wednesday.

James Robert Hinson, 52, 3201 Kelvington Drive, was arrested about noon Tuesday. Parents of the two girls, ages 5 and 8, alerted investigators several days ago, arrest reports show.

Hinson fondled the 5-year-old girl several times this month and simulated intercourse with the 8-year-old July 7 in his bedroom, the reports show.

At least two other girls in the unincorporated Orange County neighborhood west of Maitland also complained to deputies that Hinson has fondled them.

Investigators said Wednesday they expect to file more charges in the next two weeks.

The older sister of the 5-year-old girl told investigators Hinson had fondled her several times in the last 7 years, an arrest affidavit shows.

Investigators said charges may be filed in that case.

Hinson was released Wednesday from the Orange County Jail on $5,000 bail after being charged with two counts of lewd acts upon a child. A secretary in Hinson's office at 400 W. Robinson St. said he was at work Wednesday, but several attempts to reach him for comment failed.

Hinson has been with the department for nine years and consistently has received above average performance ratings, said department spokesman David Voss in Tallahassee.

Voss said Hinson, a state civil service employee, will be allowed to continue working until charges against him are resolved.